Breast Reduction Surgery: Your Questions Answered

If you’re new here, I had my breast reduction on November 23. I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately so I figured I’d just throw them all together and write a quick post in case YOU were wondering the same thing but nervous to ask.

You said your GYN wasn’t thrilled you were having the surgery. Any reason why?
She was not very happy that I wanted to get it done. She’s a close friend of my best friend’s family so she and I have a different relationship than most patient/doctor duos. She’s very opinionated, hilarious, and has a very strong personality. I was already emotional going into the appointment to talk to her about it, so that didn’t help the conversation go well.

Her concern was that I am still rather young, unmarried, and with no children. The procedure typically eliminates your ability to breast feed (although some women have been successful post-surgery). I remember her saying something along the lines of “God gave you such a beautiful gift, why would you want to take it away? He made you this way for a reason.”

I remember listening to her in the exam room, tears rolling down my face, and wincing at the pain in my back as I sat up on the table. She didn’t sway my decision, just altered the route. I still love her, and am still glad I went through with it.

How long is the recovery process (ie, how long out of work and till you can exercise again?)?
I’m not allowed to drive for one week post-surgery. I work at a hospital, so we have what is called EIB (Extended Illness Bank). It’s time that is accrued separate from vacation time so that I can use it if I have a surgery, an illness, or even a baby. So, I’ve been using that time this week.

Luckily, I work in a “desk job” so if driving this weekend is still not great, I have the flexibility to work remotely if I need to. However, I’m REALLY looking forward to getting back into the office and into a routine.

As far as working out, I thought I was going to want to start lifting weights and doing sit-ups immediately – match the rest of my body to the smaller boobs. I am actually terrified right now of even helping me dog up on the couch, so I can’t picture working out or leaning too hard on my arms.

After 2-3 weeks I should be cleared to walk with the dog (someone else will be holding the leash) and doing things like yoga. But, my research has found that I won’t be able to lift more than 5 pounds for around 2 months. So, I may look into doing some Barre3 online workouts for the next few weeks.

Have you pooped yet?
OH my god. If you’re getting ready to have this procedure done, stock up on all the Colace and MiraLAX you can. I’m not even kidding. Yes, after a few days things are finally getting back to normal.

What size were you? What size did you go to?
I was a 36H, but pushing out of it. I refused to buy larger bras since I was confident a reduction was in my future.

I’m pretty swollen right now but my surgeon said I’ll end up being between a 36C and 36D. Which I’m happy about. I requested a C and he said a D would look better on my frame.

Any post-surgery symptoms/needs you weren’t expecting?
The bathroom thing I was expecting but I was NOT expecting it to be as bad as it was.

My right thigh is also numb on the outside. Which is so weird. The surgeon said it may be because of the weighted brace they had on me during surgery. I think it also may be the way I sit/lay down. During the day it’s not a huge deal but at night when I’m trying to sleep it’s really uncomfortable.

Sleeping is also really challenging. I’m a belly sleeper, so having to sleep on my back and slightly elevated has been painful. Not literally, but literally annoying. I’m writing this less than one-week post-surgery and I was able to lay slightly to my left side, which has helped with the numbness in my right leg. But, it’s still not completely comfortable.

How much weight did you lose from the surgery?
I didn’t to this for weight loss. I did this because of the pain in my neck and my back, but I knew that it would help in my weight loss journey, since exercising was nearly impossible with torpedoes hanging off my front.

From 11/23 (morning of surgery) to 11/27 I lost 7.6 lbs. I think about 4 lbs is boob, and the rest of water weight. I’m on strict instructions to drink A LOT of water.

Did your insurance cover it? And if so, how did you get it approved?
This was quite a process. I have an OMNIA plan with Horizon BCBS of NJ, but also work for a large hospital system. So, I encourage you to do research with your insurance provider.

Last summer I reached out to Horizon customer service to inquire on what I needed to get the procedure approved. I was told that I needed it to be proven medically necessary. I would need 6 months of preventative treatment and letters from two medical professionals, one of which specializes in the spine, saying it is medically necessary as well as the information from the plastic surgeon (measurements, details on surgery, photos, etc).

From there I started going to the chiropractor. He then referred me to a plastic surgeon. And then I made an appointment with an orthopedist to make sure my spine was ok.  He prescribed physical therapy, so I started on that. We submitted everything to the insurance company and it was denied.

I went back to the orthopedist to see if any of my preventive measures (chiro and PT) were helping. Unsurprisingly, they were not. So, he wrote another letter to the insurance company. The resubmission was approved within 2 weeks and the plastic surgeon and called and got me on the schedule.

Some insurance companies require more documentation, some require less. Others base it off how much will be taken. I cannot express enough how important it is to call your insurance company and ask the questions. All of the them.

For example, my procedure was originally scheduled on October 23 at a location closer to my home. I called to find out if it was part of my plan and was told it was, but not at the highest coverage. So, I’d end up paying close to $7,000 out of pocket. Because I called to check, I saved myself A LOT of money.

Any tips for someone preparing to get the procedure?
Aside from the obvious of writing down your questions for your surgeon, joining an online support group, and doing your research? Do as many sit-ups and squats as you can every day until your surgery. I had no idea how much I was going to rely on my stomach muscles and leg muscles since I couldn’t use my chest.

If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Breast Reduction Surgery: Surgery Day

Xanax is the only reason I got a good night’s sleep. I was nervous as heck. And even wrote out instructions for my aunt to paint my nails, in case I didn’t make it through surgery.

I woke up at 4:30 a.m. Took a shower, blow dried my hair, and then stared at myself in the mirror for a little bit. This was the last time I’d see my chest like this so I wanted to soak it all in.

I was heading into breast reduction surgery.

We hit the road at 5:45 a.m. and arrived by 6:15 a.m. 15 minutes earlier than expected, in true Meg fashion.

It was like an out of body experience. I was going through the motions, in complete disbelief that I was actually doing this.

The staff at the Ambulatory Surgical Center where I had my procedure done was INCREDIBLE. They were so understanding of my nerves and showed so much compassion.

I had a little moment with my nurse when she asked about the tattoo on my wrist – “I love you” in my Dad’s writing. I finally let the water works go and let those tears flow.

Man, that felt better.

I have no recollection of time from the moment I got there until I left from the procedure. But, I felt like it was only a few minutes before my doctor came in to do the drawings.

I was so impressed at how precise he was. He was like a master finishing his canvas. He measured EVERYTHING. Everything was symmetrical. It was so impressive. I’m grateful at how intense he did everything, because... ya know. They are my boobs.

The first thing I said when he was done was, “THAT is where my nipple is going to be?! All the way up there!?” He just laughed. So did my mother when I recreated the moment and showed her what the drawings looked like.

The anesthesiologist came to ask me some questions (I can’t remember if it was before or after the drawings) and I remember him asking specifically about heartburn. I told him that I only get heartburn if I have too much wine.

Next thing I knew, I was walking (yes, walking) into the operating room. There was 6 or 7 people in there already. They told me to lie on the table and put my arms out on the pads and I got really emotional. The nurse who walked me in said, “Don’t worry, we’re just getting things prepped before you go to sleep.”

Then my anesthesiologist spoke to my heart. He said, “Ok Meg. I’m going to give you the biggest glass of wine you’ve ever had. And this one will not give you heartburn.”

Sweet Jesus. He did me good.

I don’t remember much after that. The conversations afterwards are kind of fuzzy but according to my mom I asked everyone how they looked.

The ride home is a blur. I woke up 2-3 times to see where on the highway I was. And then slept for a good portion of the day.

I’m writing this Day 3 post-op and feeling slight discomfort and pain. Moving is not very easy. And I am peeing like crazy because of how much water I’m drinking.

I’ll do another post later in the week, but so many of you were asking about surgery day so I wanted to share a quick update.

I will tell you that this was 100% the best decision I could’ve made. I already feel so much relief in my neck from the amount of weight that has been removed. It’s amazing. And now looking at pictures from before, I’m actually grossed out at how big my chest was.

I can’t thank you all enough for your kind words, prayers, and comments on my posts leading up to this surgery. I’m so grateful I decided to share my story because it’s helped so many of you.

Breast Reduction Surgery: Farewell to "The Girls"

If you are reading this after 7:30 a.m. on November 23, I am either under the knife or recuperating from breast reduction surgery. I thought, what better way to celebrate this day then to write a letter to “the girls.”

To “The Girls”, as we part ways-

I literally can’t believe this day has come. I’m almost in denial. For the last 23 years, I’ve known nothing but you.

I can’t remember what life was like before you. Seriously. Walking around with no bra. Sitting in a chair with my back straight, not needing to readjust myself every few minutes. Exercising!

It must’ve been nice.

We’ve been through it all together. I showed you off in low-cut shirts and bathing suits when you were a manageable size. I covered you up and wore minimizer bras when you got out of hand (sometimes out of TWO hands, like now).

You’ve been there for me at times when I needed some support. You know, holding my phone while walking the dog, catching food that would’ve otherwise ended up on my lap, and acting as a pillow for all the babies I’ve held.

They call me the baby whisperer because I could put any baby to sleep. (I wonder if I’ll lose that title now that you’re gone).

I’ve gotten free drinks because of you. I’ve gotten out of gym class because I had forgotten my sports bra because of you. And I’ve had the opportunity to experience motor boating by more than one girlfriend, all thanks to you.

But you’ve also caused me tremendous pain, almost as bad as heartache.

You’ve tried to kill me through suffocation whenever I forgot a beach chair and needed to lay on my back – or when I attempted to do sit ups.

You’ve made it difficult to breathe when running, or even walking up a hill. ‘

And the back pain has gotten so severe that I can’t get through a day without Icy Hot or a heating pad.

I struggled with parting ways with you. I was convinced that the male attention I always got was thanks to you. After my first consultation at the age of 20, I thought that losing you was a way of losing my identity. I’d lose my femininity and what makes me “Me.”

Today, I put my foot down and declare that enough is enough. Instead of reaching a level we were all comfortable with, you didn’t stop growing.

You made exercise next to impossible, which in turn has forbidden me from getting healthy. You made me uncomfortable in my skin and my clothing, which has completely ruined my confidence. And you made me feel like all a man was interested in me for was for you, which made me lose faith in the opposite sex.

You’ll still be there, but a much more manageable version of you. I’ll be able to buy a bra off the sale rack at a local store instead of special ordering them online for more than my cell phone bill costs monthly.

I’m going to exercise, maybe run a 5K, and rock a bathing suit with the same confidence I had in 6th grade when you showed up before everyone else’s.

Don’t think of this as me getting rid of you, but instead me trading you in for a better version so that I can be a better version of myself.

It’s not me. It’s you. And in order for me to be happy, you’ve gots to go.

Bye Felicia (aka “The Girls.”)

Breast Reduction: Getting Prepared

If this is the first post you’re stumbling upon, I encourage to read how I decided to go through with breast reduction surgery.

Question: Do you need to do anything to prepare?

I’m a pretty intense Type A person, so once I had the surgery date on the calendar I went to work researching what to expect and how I could prepare.

Thankfully I have had a few friends who have had the procedure (and even more have come forth since I shared that I am getting it done) and shared their journey. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been getting myself ready for what I anticipated I’ll need, but I’ll update post-surgery on what I did and didn’t actually need.

Small pillow
I’ll be required to refrain from driving for at least one week post-op, but once I get back on the road again I’m nervous for the bumps, pot holes, and the like. A lot of articles shared that using a small pillow as a buffer between you and your seat belt helped a lot for the irritation of the belt, but also to keep things in place while driving.

Button-up shirts and comfortable tank tops
Since I’ll be out of work for the week following surgery, I anticipate LOTS of lounge wear. But once I’m back in the office, comfort is key. I have a few loose-fitting sweaters that go great with slacks or a cute skirt, but I also have a few button-up shirts that will be easy to get on and get going.

Sports bras
This is a mandatory. I purchased three sports bras to start off with that are specific to post-surgery. They zip in the front and have no underwire, so it provides the support needed, are easy to put on and take off, and won’t bother the incisions.

Books
Whenever I take a stay-cation I tend to use that time to get errands done instead of actually relax. This time, I’m FORCED to hang on the couch with the dog for a while. So, I’ve got some great books lined up on my kindle.

Another book I heard about that has helped pre-surgery was When Less Is More: The Complete Guide for Women Considering Breast Reduction Surgery by Bethanne Snodgrass M.D. It’s actually what inspired me to share my story with this blog and my social media followers.

Scar creams
I think I’m most nervous for how things will look afterwards, so I’m laser-focused on scarring and helping my body heal. Lots of water is in my future, and good foods to nourish my body. But in addition to that I’ve purchased two creams: Mederma Advanced Scar Cream and Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream. I know it’ll be a bit before I’m able to start using it, but I wanted it handy so as soon as things start to look like they are healing I’m ready to go.

In addition to the Mederma products, Rodan + Fields is great for scarring. A few months post-op I plan to begin to use some of the R+F products that are known to help scarring.

If you’ve had a surgical procedure, or specifically a breast reduction, what did you find helpful to have on-hand? Let me know!

Breast Reduction: My journey to YES

I shared on my Instagram a few days ago that I am scheduled for breast reduction surgery. WHOA! That’s so weird to say.

I was grateful that so many of you reached out to me to ask questions. I was nervous to share this news, but have always been someone who puts myself out there in hopes of helping someone in the same boat.

So, over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing about my journey, and hopefully covering many of the questions I’ve been asked thus far.

First, I feel like I need to explain how bra sizes are measured. The band size is the number you see in a bra size. If you’re curious, take a measuring tape (preferably a fabric one) and measure around your torso, directly under your bust. If the number is even, add four inches; if it’s odd, add five.

Second, you need to figure out the cup (or the letter). Take the same measuring tape and measure around your chest, across your nipples. You then take that number and subtract your band size number. Depending on what the difference is, that’ll determine your cup size.

Example: If your bust size is 38 inches and your band size is 36 inches, that’s a 2 inch difference which translates into a 36B.

Question: WHY would you make the decision to get rid of something that God has so graciously blessed you with?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a large chest. I swear they popped out of nowhere overnight when I was in the sixth grade.

I started high school wearing a B-cup bra and ended high school wearing a DD-cup bra. I joke that I grew one cup every year, but I’m pretty sure that’s how it happened. For those who are unfamiliar with bra sizes, that’s like 3 or 4 inches of boob that were added to my band measurement.

I was active in high school, but my chest size always made me uncomfortable. I remember trying to get out of gym class by telling the teacher I forgot my sports bra and couldn’t run.

In college, I acquired the nickname “Boobs.” I tell ya, college-aged boys are very creative. And they just didn’t stop growing, which made physical activity (competitive cheerleading and exercising) very difficult.

I wasn’t really self-conscious about my chest size until I was in my early 20’s. I was a nanny and remember wearing a two-piece with confidence to the country club pool that the family belonged to. ALL of the stay-at-home moms who were with their children were rocking tankinis and one-piece bathing suits. When I took my cover up off, all eyes were glued to me. My boss joked that “they are just jealous because what you have naturally, their husbands have to pay money for.”

That was the first and last time I wore a two-piece to the pool at work.

When I was 21 or 22 I went for a consultation for a reduction. I remember looking at photos of patients before me and thinking how they must feel so much better. Alas, when I left the office, I felt sad. Almost as if taking my chest away from me was me losing part of my identity.

And here I am now, at 33 years old, just days away from going under the knife and removing 5 lbs of extra weight from my torso.

So, WHY am I finally going through with this procedure?

• I have dents in my shoulder that are so deep they probably will never go away
• I can’t sit at a restaurant for longer than 10 mins without my back feeling strained
• I have a constantly strained nerve on the right side of my neck that sends a paralyzing shriek across the right side of my body when I reach for something in my trunk or the like
• My bras cost $85 at a minimum ($65 if they are on sale), sports bras range about $50 or more and are suffocating, and bathing suits don’t start under $100 (for just the top)
• I don’t remember what it’s like to lay on the beach, my bed, the floor, or a couch flat on my back and being able to breath without my shoulders and neck being elevated

That’s not even the complete list, but I’ll spare you too many details. I’m just a few days away from this life-changing experience and will absolutely document more along the way.

If you’ve considered getting a reduction, or are experiencing some of the things I have shared above, I encourage you to reach out to me. I’d love to chat more and help you in your decision process.

My Podcast Rotation

I have quite the commute to work. On average, about an hour each way; some days it can be more. 

I love to use my time commuting to focus on personal development and have found that podcasts are my go-to when I need a little motivation. 

I started listening to podcasts about 2-3 years ago. Since I am constantly looking for new  podcasters to follow, I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you guys today. 

Goal Digger by Jenna Kutcher

Oh. Em. Gee. You guys may recognize Jenna from social media. She was shamed for being heavier than her super fit husband, but it backfired because she went even more viral than she already was and sky-rocketed her career. This podcast is perfect for entrepreneurs and social media influencers (or those who want to be). It’s jam-packed with great tips and takeaways that you can implement into your daily life. If you’re looking for inspiration in your business, or inspiration in life in general, this is a total hit. 

Nobody Told Me! by Jan Black & Laura Owens

I’m still getting into this one, and can’t say that every topic really resonates with me, but this has been great so far. Think back to your high school days and those subjects that you would’ve found valuable – like, how to balance a check book or complete your taxes. This channels puts all those subjects into one neat little box that you can access at the touch of your finger. I think my favorite one so far was “...that men need more nurturing than they’re willing to admit.”

So Much More Podcast with Carol Elizabeth

I found this newer channel through my BeachBody coach Kim. She was actually featured on episode 1. I love that this podcast helps you identify your passion and gives you super motivation on how to get started. The people she interviews shows you that so many people have started where you currently are (or may be) and they’ve reached and exceeded their goals. 

Serial by This American Life

This podcast got me started on the obsession. We’re now in Season 3 and I’m still getting caught up on it. Season 1 followed the story of a high school boy who was charged with the murder of his fellow student, and Season 2 follows the story of an Army guy who was held hostage in a war country. It basically takes the story that the media shared and debunks much of it, showing that not every story can be told on the surface. SOOO good. 

Off the Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe

If you’re a fan of The Bachelor/Bachelorette and/or Bachelor in Paradise, download this NOW. Kaitlyn interviews contestants and gets insider scoop that they won’t show you on the TV show. It’s really a light-hearted, girl chat over wine kind of show. 

RISE Podcast with Rachel Hollis

If you read Monday’s blog post you’ll know I have a total girl crush on Rachel. If you haven’t read Girl Wash Your Face yet, do it. Like, now. And then download this podcast. It is like the book on steroids. This is filled with so many truth bombs it’s not even funny. 

There you have it, the podcasts that are on my regular rotation. What podcasts are you guys listening to? 

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Still a Larva

The butterfly year. HA! Still kind of feeling like a larva if you ask me. 

How in the world is it already the end of June? Like, I’m asking seriously. I feel like we just sat down with our champagne and watched the ball drop, dreaming of all the things we were planning to accomplish over the next 12 months. 

January felt like it was 365 days long, but February to now feels like it was a weekend that was cut short. 

Now, we’re halfway through the year and I’m all like, “What day is it and why don’t I have any fresh underwear left?”

Writing is my therapy. Sitting down and hitting the keys takes such a weight off my heart and gives me all the feels. All of them. 

Writing is also my job. Literally. I write for my work about 75% of the time – the other 25% is a combination of driving and meetings. 

And here, I started the year with the promise that I’d do more writing for fun and focus on a true transformation within myself. 

What do I have to show for it? A blog I haven’t even looked at since Valentine’s Day and an extra 15 lbs sitting on my hips. 

Honestly, I think part of my absence had to do with the fact that I promised all of these big things for the new year and have delivered on zero of them. 

So, here’s a quick recap of life so far in the life of Miss Meg. Try not to be overly impressed (hardy har har). 

Love

I saw a medium recently (the same one I saw after my Dad passed) and she focused heavily on my personal life. According to her, I will meet the man I’m supposed to be with in a very natural way – ie, in the grocery store; not in the bar. Until then, she told me to continue putting myself out there and met new people because I’m sending the universe vibes that I’m ready to meet someone. 

So, if you need me I’ll be hanging out in the produce aisle at Whole Foods. 

Career

My R+F business has taken a back seat in the Greyhound Bus that is my to-do list. My full-time role is really demanding right now, working on two huge projects with deadlines lingering closely and an intern that I’m trying to really help grow. In fact, even my physical therapist told me that I need to take more breaks and work less at home because the stress is causing severe tension in my shoulders and upper back. I wonder if she’d be willing to take some things off my list. 

Health

I see food. I eat food. I successfully completed Whole30 in January and lost 12 lbs. I felt amaze-balls. Then I drank all of the cabernet and ate all of the cheese I could physically carry out of the store. I wish I was kidding. 

My mouth salivates when I think of roasted/charred broccoli. BUT, the same thing happens when mozzarella sticks are in front of me. I’m still working on finding what program sets my soul on fire. 

I feel like sharing all this will hold me accountable. Life isn’t perfect. Social media has a funny way of making it look like you’ve got your ish together and you’re reaching big goals when behind the scenes, you wearing two different heels to work and you forgot your wallet at home. 

Whether you’re crushing the game right now or feel like you’re the one being crushed, can we all just agree that January-June were “ok” and agree to make July-December “totally freaking awesome”? 

5 things I love about myself

Is it just me or did January seem to have 365 days in the month?

I’m so glad to see that February is here – the month of love. This year is my butterfly year, so although I’m enjoying the holiday as a solo woman that doesn’t mean I have to throw a pity party due to a lack of companionship.

After all, the best relationship I’ll ever have is the one I have with myself.

So today, on this day of romance, my love letter is dedicated to me.

• I love my eyes. I receive compliments frequently about my eyes, but they are so much more than their shape and color. These eyes have seen amazing experiences, as well as terrible tragedies. These eyes have such an incredible story to share, and I am so grateful for them. 
• I love my ability to see the positive in every situation. Bad things have happened – things that are out of my control – but the one thing I can control is how I react. That was a challenging lesson to learn, but one that has allowed me to cope with the bad things. 
• I love my transparency. I have a confidence in putting myself out there to help others feel comfortable.  I am an open book, and if I am able to share something to help someone else then I will share it – even if it makes me look weird. 
• I love my curves. I am not one of those skinny girls, and likely never will be. I remember in my early 20s, someone I considered a friend called me fat in the middle of a fight. That still sticks with me. But rather than dwell on what others think about my body, and me I can embrace it. My body is my friend, and in treating it that way I’ve been able to change so much about it and how I feel about it. 
• I love my heart. When I love, I love with every ounce of my being. Regardless of how many times I’ve been hurt in the past, and how many more times are to come, my greatest joy is when I can show others how much I care for them.

Whether you’re spending today with your heart and soul, enjoying a bottle of red paired with a great meal or you’re spending it solo with a face mask and your dog (like me), enjoy it.

Every minute of every part of the day.

Whole30: The Review

It wasn’t perfect, but it’s done. It wasn’t as hard as I thought but does take time. And I learned a lot.

That’s basically what I share with people when I tell them that my Whole30 experience is over now.

The results
I lost 12 freaking pounds. And feel amazing about it.

I mean, I wasn’t supposed to weigh myself throughout the program, but I did anyway. So, I lost 12 lbs and then stayed there for almost 2 weeks. If I didn’t weigh myself throughout, I wouldn’t know that I plateaued. But still, I’m down 12 freaking pounds.

I can cross my legs comfortably. Like, this is huge. Previously, I’d need to put my foot on something for resistance. Not anymore. And not even in jeans! Boom.

I bought a size 12 dress last weekend and can zip it and breathe in it. Incredible. I was a tight size 14 or a very comfortable 16 and was SO hoping to not have to go any bigger. But, I am now wearing pants I haven’t been able to button in 2 years, and they are loose on me.

Man, what a good feeling.

I’m more knowledgeable about what I put in my body. I read labels a lot and am very cautious about the amount of sugar I am consuming. I’m also making wiser choices when I go out. Last night I met a colleague for dinner – my first night off – and I opted for a salad instead of the pizza options or a burger. I did have cheese, but it was just enough.

The cons
This program takes A LOT of prep work. Between planning out your meals, grocery shopping, and then prepping your food you really need to put aside time. This is not the type of program where you can just wing it. And if you can, then I praise thee.

It’s pretty restrictive. Yes, there are compliant options for salad condiments and the like, but you’ve really got to research ahead of time if you’re going to a restaurant. And, you must read ALL labels of anything you purchase outside of fruits and vegetables – this includes meat labels!

Because I’m such a creature of routine, my “day food” was the same this entire time. Which made me get sick of eggs and avocado, but also get bored. This is something I’d change in the future – but I do know it will take more prep work if I’m not prepping in bulk.

The pros
12 freaking pounds. I’ll just say it once again.

Joking aside, I’m sleeping more soundly and getting more sleep time in. It was a goal to sleep 6.5 hours and according to my Fitbit, it wasn’t frequent that I’d meet that. Lately, it’s been at least 7 hours of consistent sleep.

I’m more energized during the day, overall more positive and patient, and I’ve been the most productive at work than I’ve ever been. I literally slayed my to-do list almost completely.

After Whole30
Will I do this again? Hell to the yeah. I absolutely intend on doing this program in its entirety at least 2 more times this year. So, if you’re interested in doing it alongside me, I’d love for us to connect for support.

My view on how I take care of my body – both with exercise and food – has really changed from this. So, in addition to exercising, I’ll likely continue eating this way 80% of the time.

But, right now, give me all the cheese and vino.

Whole 30: Week 3

I am in the home stretch! I’d say I can’t believe it, but I’m not one to back down on a challenge so I knew I’d finish strong. Let me just tell you how this week went.

Monday – “Ok Meg, Week 3. You got this. You prepped your foods and you are almost there!.”
Tuesday – “Screw it. Wine. You need wine. Your exhausted, and you’ve been working so hard. One glass won’t kill you.”
Wednesday – “You are a goddess. You are holy and magnificent and can do anything.”
Thursday – “Step aside Beyoncé. No really. Step aside. This is MY world.”
Friday – “Wine. Need wine. And cheese.”

This week, I definitely had a good angel and a bad angel battling in my head. Luckily the good angel won, but man it was a fight to the death.

I feel strong this week. Mentally and physically. I feel like I really got over a hump, and have finally hit a state of mental clarity. I keep telling everyone my brain finally feels like it’s functioning normally, and it’s really so true.

That procrastination thing – yeah, it’s not there anymore. It’s crazy to even say that. But this third week I’ve really changed, and I’m so happy for that.

I was going to start the 80-Day Obsession Program with some Beachbody friends, but ended up holding off since I wanted to follow the program exactly. I’m instead going to start it when I get back from my work trip to Chicago in March. For now, I’ll focus on building up strength with the 21-Day Fix and 21-Day Fix Extreme programs.

Which means, double work outs!

I also got blood work done this month and it looks like my vitamin D is low and my LDL (bad cholesterol) is elevated. So, I’ll be tailoring my meal plan after this program to focus on foods that will help with both categories.

Into the final week of this challenge, and here’s what I’m aiming for (wish me luck):

Workouts
...Tuesday: 21DF Total Body Cardio Fix (AM) & Jazzercise (1-hour – PM)
...Wednesday: 21DF Upper Fix (AM) & Jazzercise (1-hour – PM)
...Thursday: 21DF Barre Legs Fix (AM) & Jazzercise (1-hour – PM)
...Friday: 21DF Pilates Fix (AM) & Jazzercise (30-min– PM)
...Saturday: 21DF Dirty 30
...Sunday: 21DF Yoga Fix

Dinner
...Tuesday: Mustard & balsamic pork chops with rosemary and red potatoes (on the menu from last week but didn’t make it)
...Wednesday: Almond crusted salmon & green beans
...Thursday: Coconut lime chicken w/ asparagus
...Friday: Onions & shredded Brussels sprouts burgers w/ sweet potato wedges
...Saturday: Steak w/ broccoli
...Sunday: Spinach meatballs over spaghetti squash
...Monday: Leftovers

Whole 30: Week 2

Week 2 is officially in the books. Can I get a “HOORAH?”

I literally feel like I’m walking around farting glitter with a spotlight on myself, giving me the perfect selfie complexion. And I’m not even kidding.

First, I want to give you the run-down on what this Whole30 thing actually is. After last week’s post, I got a lot of questions from people asking what it is and eager to jump on the kale-wagon. And although I had so much intention of actually writing a full post about what it is and what it is not, life got in the way.

So...

Simply put, it’s eliminating the crap and fueling yourself with the good stuff. I could give you a full list of what NOT to eat, but simply if it’s whole, it’s for you.

Vegetables, and lots of it. Fruits. Protein. Natural seasoning. Lots of water.

No alcohol. No processed foods. No added sugar. No dairy. No legumes. No grains. Oh, NO ALCOHOL.

I do love my wine. Maybe a little too much at times. So I thought that would be the hardest for me. And it was, for the first week. Now, I’m good with it.

This is NOT a quick fix to lose weight. Although that is a benefit, it really takes mental motivation, and will hopefully change how you look at and treat food. 

Ok... so how did Week 2 go?

I’m a creature of routine so I’m all about eating the same food during the day, every day, and just changing it up for dinner. I also really busted my butt with Jazzercise this week.

Dinner:

...Tuesday – Crockpot Italian lemon chicken w/ green beans (this would’ve been better cooked regularly. The crockpot made it dry.

...Wednesday – Cajun salmon w/ asparagus

...Thursday – Turkey burgers w/ roasted potatoes

...Friday – We went out!!! We went out for Mexican and I had fajitas (just steak, veggies, guacamole, and lettuce)

...Saturday – Taco ground turkey over mixed roasted veggies

...Sunday – Steak with green beans and sweet potato

...Monday – Leftovers

Workouts:

...Tuesday: Jazzercise (1-hour)

...Wednesday: Jazzercise (1-hour)

...Thursday: Jazzercise (1-hour)

...Friday: Jazzercise (30-min)

...Saturday: TWO Jazzercise classes (1-hour each)

...Sunday: Coffee & Jesus

...Monday: Rest

Results so far

Pros: I feel like this past week I hit such a mental clarity point. Procrastination has gone down, excuses are going away, and overall I feel like I’m in such a positive and upward place. I’m really excited about this new-found attitude and hope that it continues.

Again, I’m not supposed to weight myself but as of Monday morning, I was down just over 11 lbs. More than that though, I wore a pair of non-stretch jeans this weekend that I haven’t been able to get over my hips in 3 years. So, that’s a huge win.

Also, people are noticing my weight loss. I keep getting compliments on how thin my face looks.

Additionally, my step-dad’s doctor told him if he keeps this up, he’d be able to come off his blood pressure. At the highest, his BP was 210/100. Medication helped bring it to 130s/80s. His last appointment, it was in the normal range for his age of 110/66. WOW!

That’s HUGE!

Cons: I’m SOOOO tired of Tupperware! I feel like all I do is work, workout, prep food, and clean Tupperware. I definitely took advantage of the luxury of going to a restaurant, picking something off the menu, and someone else doing all the work for you.

Honestly, doing this program has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Besides getting my dog.

Cheers to 2 weeks down and 2 more to go!

x

Whole30: Week 1

A few months ago, one of my best friends had mentioned to me she was going to do the Whole30 starting January 1.

Always being up for a challenge, and looking to kick it up a notch myself, I invited myself to join along with her. Not only that, but this girlfriend is my happy hour buddy, so if she was taking an entire month off from vino and greasy food, I figured I might as well too.

Enter, the stressing.

I spent WEEKS researching. Started a Pinterest board, started putting away the non-compliant foods in the cabinet, bought all the books. All of the preparation seriously stressed me out.

It was too hard. No way could I do it. Black coffee tastes like poop. It’s not for me.

Once I found out my boot camp was closing indefinitely, I decided “enough is enough” and finally got to work.

Prepping
Read. Read. Read. And then go for a walk.

Honestly, the books are helpful for reference, but most of the information you need can all be found on the whole30 website. I think investing in the books mentally made me want to “get my money’s worth” so it’s pushing me more. But aside from the brief review I did, I haven’t cracked any of them. I bookmarked the resources page instead and use it frequently.

In case you are like me and actually WANT the books, you can find them all on Amazon:

• The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom Click here
• The Whole30 Fast & Easy Cookbook: 150 Simply Delicious Everyday Recipes for Your Whole30 Click here
• The Whole30 Day by Day: Your Daily Guide to Whole30 Success Click here (THIS I actually use daily and HIGHLY recommend)
• The Whole30 Cookbook: 150 Delicious and Totally Compliant Recipes to Help You Succeed with the Whole30 and Beyond Click here

I joined some online Facebook groups to join other beginners and others starting in January. They provided some great tips for compliant dressings, seasonings, meal ideas, etc. But, I’m finding many people just post the ingredients label and asking if it’s compliant, rather than educating themselves. 

Planning

I am a creature of routine, so my day food is usually the same every day. The only thing I really switch up is my dinner. And honestly, my evening cooking is my therapy.

So, I wrote out a plan of what my day food will look like for the week, as well as a plan of what my dinners will look like each day. I love having a routine and a plan for the week, with the flexibility to change it up if I’m feeling like it.

I LOVE using Google Chrome on my laptop to bookmark recipes online and then opening Google Chrome on my iPad or iPhone to get the recipe while cooking. It makes things so easy and takes away time looking for the recipe again.

Week 1

I’m officially done with Week 1 of Whole30 and I have to say, it’s honestly not THAT hard. It takes label-reading, discipline, and planning. Period. End of story. That’s all folks.

The program encourages you to eat three whole meals per day with zero to minimal snacking. Which was a challenge for me the first two days, since I’m used to eating every 2-3 hours and smaller meals.

So, here’s what I ate.

7 AM: Black coffee on my way to work. A few times I added some Nutpods and a little cinnamon, which was a subtle addition of flavor.

9 AM: Egg casserole (a ton of sautéed veggies baked with eggs), a single container of guacamole, and a banana (note: If I was really hungry on my way into work, I’d have my banana then).

12:30 PM: Kale salad with cucumbers, peppers, red onion, and compliant bacon. Topped with seasoned chicken and ½ avocado.

Snacks: I always have almonds in my purse and my office – just in case – but also started to carry around Cashew LunaBars (AMAZING).

Dinner:

...Tuesday – Herbed salmon w/ cauliflower rice and green beans

...Wednesday – Lemon chicken thighs with roasted potato

...Thursday – Garlic and rosemary pork tenderloin with roasted broccoli

...Friday – Cilantro lime shrimp over cauliflower rice with asparagus

...Saturday – Chimichurri flank steak with sweet potato and green beans

...Sunday – Bacon burgers with roasted Brussels sprouts

...Monday – Sicilian-style grilled swordfish with cauliflower rice and green beans

Workouts:

...Tuesday – A Little Obsessed Total Body Core & Jazzercise (1-hour)

...Wednesday – A Little Obsessed Booty & Jazzercise (1-hour)

...Thursday – Rest (we had a crazy snow storm)

...Friday – A Little Obsessed AAA & Jazzercise (30-min)

...Saturday – Jazzercise (1 hour)

...Sunday – Coffee & Jesus

...Monday – A Little Obsessed Total Body Core & Jazzercise (1-hour)

Results so far

Pros: My energy throughout the day is definitely up, and I notice I’m more of a positive and patient person. I’ve always been a great sleeper, but I notice I sleep extra hard lately (with some crazy dreams) and wake up feeling really refreshed.

I’m not supposed to weigh myself, but I do daily. And, according to the scale I’m down 8 lbs already! I can definitely feel a difference in my clothing and my stomach area.

Cons: I convinced my step-dad to do this with me (which is a huge pro), so prepping for two people for ~4 days at a time takes about 1.5-2 hours each time.

I also have what I’m now calling “Whole30 Brain.” Aside from 2-3 days of snappiness, I now can’t remember anything. For example, I told my stepdad his food was “on the top-left of the shower,” almost put crushed red pepper on my almond butter-topped apple, and it took me 10 mins and a scroll through my iPhone pictures to see what I made for dinner last night.

Cheers to 1 week down and 3 weeks to go!

2018 Goals

I’m a sucker for a fresh start and the feeling of something new.

…A new week, a new day, a new year.

…A new pair of shoes, a new handbag, a new planner.

…A new haircut.

Something about it makes me think that what’s in the past is in the past, and anything that happens from here on out can only get better.

With a new year, many people make resolutions. But, statistics show many don’t follow through with them. And those that do only last a few weeks.

I tend to get overambitious at the beginning of the year and commit to a complete life shift, only to end up disappointed that I didn’t stick with anything at all.

So, for this year, I’m setting more attainable goals.

+ Get active at least 5 times a week. Whether it’s a Jazzercise class, working with a Beachbody program, or taking Elphie for a long walk.

+ Serve at church at least 3x per month, and join a small group. I won't go into too much yet about my spirituality, but I will tell you that it saved me from a great depression and has really changed my life.

+ Increase engagement and accountability both with my blog and my business. I have the world at my fingertips thanks to social media and technology, but alas I find excuses to not grasp it.

I’m on a big journey this year to transform my health and energy. So, I’m starting the year following the Whole30 meal guidelines.

Today marks Day 4, and although I can’t tell you it’s a walk in the park, it’s also not as bad as I expected. I’ll share a weekly update, as well as what I ate, with you all so you can follow along.

Did you guys set resolutions or goals for the year?

The Butterfly Year

Hello Friends! And Happy 2018!

I used some vacation time during the final week of December to wrap up 2017 and prepare myself for the New Year. I prepped a to-do list; brought home some work items that I needed quiet time to focus on, and had every intention of making my time off productive. 

First thing on my list was to re-launch “my blog.” I put that in quotes because I’ve always thought of Glamorous Hustle as my blog. After all, we spent four lovely years together. But, this new blog is still something I’m working on turning into mine. 

Anyway, back to the point…

Instead of being productive, my week was filled with catching up on sleep, watching movies on Amazon Prime, and drinking too much vino.

But alas, New Year = New You. Am I right? 

I really missed sharing. Sitting down and hitting the keys and just getting out whatever is on my mind.

Some call me an over sharer, but truthfully it’s my therapy. For me, it’s better than therapy. Trust me, I tried that ‘ish and it just isn’t for me.

So, what’s on the agenda for 2018? I’m calling it my “Butterfly Year.”

The last two years did a number on me.

…I ended a long relationship

…I lost my Dad to cancer

…I fought a dark depression (and am still fighting it)

…I started to focus on my health and healthier choices (also failed a few times with it)

…I ended friendships and made new ones

…I learned a lot about myself

This blog is going to be my way of holding myself accountable to goals and plans. A way for me to share the highs and the lows in hopes of celebrating with you all and showing you that if you’re going through the same thing (or similar), you’re not alone. 

And of course, we’ll hopefully have some laughs together. 

So, cheers to the new year – the Butterfly Year – and to making memories together (virtually)!